ASEAN enhances inner bloc connectivity

The consensus was reached by ASEAN Foreign Ministers at the general debate of the 67^th session of the UN General Assembly currently underway in New York.

Excerpts from an interview granted by Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh to a Radio Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter:

Reporter: Could you please sum up the contents of the informal meeting between ASEAN Foreign Ministers at the 67^th UN General Assembly?

Mr Vinh: This annual meeting on the sidelines of the 67^th UN General Assembly focused on the two major contents. First, they discussed the coordination between ASEAN nations in resolving UN-related issues and increasing ASEAN-UN cooperation.

Second, they made preparations for ASEAN high-level meetings scheduled for later this year.

ASEAN will submit a resolution on cooperation between the two sides in promoting development and peace and implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The cooperation is based on the sharing of interests between ASEAN and the UN. ASEAN wants the UN to promote efforts in reducing poverty, building a strong and united ASEAN community and strengthening the bloc’s connectivity.

Regarding preparations for ASEAN high-level meetings slated for December in Cambodia, the FMs emphasized the importance of strengthening ASEAN’s connectivity and cooperation with its partners in order to build a peaceful and stable environment in the region and deal with challenges arising therefrom.

In the face of complex developments related to maritime security and safety in the region, they underscored the need to further respect the principles of international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and settle conflicts by peaceful means.

On the East Sea issue, they emphasized the principles of fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) to settle disputes peacefully on the basis of respect for the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They also voiced support for ASEAN’s six-point principles on the East Sea towards official negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) to ensure peace, stability and security in the region.

Reporter: The ASEAN FMs and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed ways to elevate relations between ASEAN and the US to a strategic partnership. What is your opinion?

Mr Vinh: ASEAN and the US conducted exchanges on how to lift their relations to a strategic partnership. Many countries spoke highly of the US commitments to supporting ASEAN in building a united community, strengthening connectivity and speeding up regional development.

They also praised the US initiative and commitment to backing the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) by increasing the cooperation between the US and the countries of the lower Mekong River basin.

There is high hope that the ASEAN-US meeting scheduled for the end of this year will provide fresh impetus to elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership.

The cooperation between ASEAN and the US, and between ASEAN member countries covers a wide range of areas including non-traditional security, maritime security and safety and economic development.

Reporter: What do you think about the UN’s decision to choose the theme of general debate "Bringing about adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by peaceful means"?

Mr Vinh: Vietnam’s stance is clear. First, a permanent peace needs to be based on international law. Second, all countries need to build a culture of peace and tolerance. Third, all disputes should be settled by peaceful means in line with terms of international law and international agreements.

Reporter: Thank you very much.